Description
This Italian Pot Roast, known as Stracotto, is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. Tender beef is braised with aromatic vegetables and herbs, creating a rich and satisfying dish that pairs well with pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Pot Roast:
- 4 ounces bacon (or pancetta), diced (optional)
- 3 pounds beef (such as chuck), cut into 3 large pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup carrot, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or oregano)
- 2 bay leaves
Additional Options:
- 1 ounce reconstituted and chopped dried porcini mushrooms
- Dry white or red wine (substitute for some or all of the broth)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sage, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce or soy sauce (gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Optional: Serve over pasta, gnocchi, polenta, mashed potatoes, etc.
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large oven-safe saucepan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Set aside.
- Prepare the Beef: Season the beef with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in the bacon grease until browned on all sides. Set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, sauté the onion, carrot, and celery until tender. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cook until fragrant.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in beef broth, crushed tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and bacon. Return beef to the pan.
- Braise the Pot Roast: Cover and simmer on low heat for 2-4 hours, or transfer to a preheated 275F/140C oven and cook until tender, or use a slow cooker on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, remove bay leaves, and enjoy the delicious pot roast.
Notes
- For added depth of flavor, consider trying some of the optional ingredients listed in the recipe.
- This pot roast can be customized to suit your preferences, such as wine substitutions or additional seasonings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
- Sugar: Approximately 5g
- Sodium: Approximately 800mg
- Fat: Approximately 25g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 12g
- Trans Fat: Approximately 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10g
- Fiber: Approximately 2g
- Protein: Approximately 40g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 120mg
